From chapter 15 of our textbook I learned that every newborn inherits 23 chromosomes and approximately 20,000 genes from each parent and that inheriting abnormal chromosomes and genes can result in an inherited disease. I learned that genetic information is carried in DNA and that congenital birth defects are observed at birth in about 1 of every 50 newborn babies in the U.S. and that abnormal development of the fetus during pregnancy can be caused by environmental factors, abnormal genes passed on from one or both parents, or a combination of both. I learned that there are three prenatal diagnostic procedures that can determine whether fetal development is normal or whether there is a physical or biological defect which are called ultrasound, amniocentesis, and chorionic villus sampling and that taking some prescription or illegal drugs, drinking alcohol, or becoming infected by viruses during pregnancy can harm the fetus and that if drugs or alcohol are used by a pregnant woman, especially in its early stages, miscarriage may occur or the newborn may suffer growth deficiencies, mental retardation, or other health problems. I also learned that couples who are at higher than average risk for having a genetically handicapped child should undergo genetic counseling before and after pregnancy is established and that modern genetic diagnostic tests can detect genes responsible for hundreds of inherited diseases; however only a few can be successfully treated and that a federal law was also passed in 2008 prohibiting genetic discrimination which sometimes occurred when employers and or health and life insurance companies found out that their employees or clients may have carried genes that predisposed them to diseases and disorders. Lastly, I learned that gene therapy and embryonic stem cell research have the potential to cure many serious diseases while the cloning of animals has become relatively common but unreliable and human cloning has been deemed unjustified for scientific, ethical, and social reasons.
From chapter 20 of our textbook I learned that alternative medicine consists of hundreds of methods for dealing with sickness and disease in ways that are different from conventional medicine including spiritual, mental, nutritional, and physical therapies as well as herbal remedies. Some of these methods include homeopathy, which administers very dilute solutions of substances that are supposed to mimic the symptoms of a sick person and help the body cure itself of the disease. I learned that chiropractors and osteopaths use manipulation of the spine and joints to treat musculoskeletal disorders and other diseases. I also learned that the method of ayurveda and aromatherapy are ancient healing techniques. Acupuncture, another ancient healing technique, is supposed to restore harmony to the functioning of tissues and organs by inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body. I also learned that herbal medicine uses mixtures of herbs in the form of pills, powders, teas, and tinctures to help in the healing process but many are considered ineffective and some herbal remedies contain toxic chemicals. Some may even interact with prescription medications making them more or less effective. I also learned that there is scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of biomagnetic therapy in the treatment of disease but many people use it for pain relief and other medical issues. Lastly, Americans spend hundreds of millions of dollars every year on fraudulent health products and treatments in which many fall victim to quackery in which consumers need to be on guard.
From the online article in the class lecture, I learned that alternative medicine is the use of medicinal, general health practices, products, etc. that are not a part of society's conventional medical systems, also referred to as "complementary" medicine. Some examples of alternative medicine include Fad diets, homeopathy, acupuncture, herbology, yoga, probiotics, and new age healing. But the article warns us to take care and do your homework when choosing to use alternative medicine. For example taking certain herbs without knowing how they may interact with other medicines or knowing proper dosages can cause serious problems and going to an unlicensed practitioner for something like acupuncture can result in serious injury. It also states that you should consult with your present health practitioner to discuss the alternative medicines you are considering and to weigh the risks and benefits carefully before trying anything new , always letting your health professional know all of your medical history and present practices.
From the discussions with my fellow classmates, we talked about the pros and the cons regarding what embryonic stem cell research is and its history. We also mentioned Michael J. Fox, actor, victim of Parkinson’s disease, and advocate for stem cell research. We also talked about how the ban in the United States was lifted in March of 2009 and our views regarding its controversy.
Regarding this topic, the following websites were referenced:
http://usliberals.about.com/od/stemcellresearch/i/StemCell1.htm
http://www.usnews.com/articles/opinion/2009/03/23/embryonic-stem-cell-research-does-too-much-good-to-be-evil-says-janet-rowley.html
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/sections/stem_cell/
http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/history-of-stem-cell-research-faq.htm
http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8lsjfjgAA8
http://www.michaeljfox.org/
http://www.michaeljfox.org/newsEvents_parkinsonsInTheNews_article.cfm?ID=505
In a second discussion, we talked about alternative medicine in which we discussed what it is and how big of an industry it has become in the United States. We also talked about the different methods of alternative medicine and touched on the power of prayer as one of them. We also mentioned that most forms of alternative medicine are safe and effective but there are some that may do more harm than good and that people should be on their guard for scams and charlatans that pry on these sick and vulnerable.
Regarding this topic, the following websites were referenced:
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/#intro
http://www.gcnm.com/
http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/skepticism/blfaq_altmed_index.htm
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2414866/prayer_an_effective_alternative_medicine.html?cat=68
Lastly, we had a discussion regarding genetic counseling and the pros and cons of genetic testing in which the topic of abortion was brought up in regards to whether we have the right to choose the fate of an unborn child in the case of diseases such as a prognosis of Downs Syndrome. In light of the month of May being Cystic fibrosis awareness month, we also touched on the disease which is also one of the many inherited diseases on the list that can be detected early by genetic testing so a couple planning to start a family can have alternatives. We also discussed the passing of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008 passed by President Bush so people can no longer lose their jobs and or health and life insurance based on an apparent or perceived genetic abnormality.
Regarding this topic, the following websites were referenced:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/17/AR2005101701311.html
http://victorian.fortunecity.com/wooton/414/genetest.html
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/medicine/genetest.shtml
http://www.wpri.com/dpps/wildcard_9/family-talks-life-with-cystic-fibrosis_3800157
http://www.councilforresponsiblegenetics.org/Projects/PastProject.aspx?projectId=1
Vocabulary Words:
Integrative medicine: physicians who combine the practice of scientific Western medicine with alternative medicines that they feel are safe and effective for their patients.
Amniocentesis: a procedure in which amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus and tested to determine whether genetic or anatomical defects exist in the fetus.
From the vocabulary words that I posted I learned:
It is nice to know that many Western doctors recognize many of the methods of alternative medicine for the treatment of their patients and I didn’t realize that when my doctor all these years recommended chicken soup when I had the flu that it was a form of alternative medicine.
My mother had an amniocentesis done when she was pregnant with my little sister and I always wondered how and why it was performed and what it determined.
Participation:
One thing that I learned in this session that I may be able to use in the future is how far the field of genetic testing has affected society as well as the pros, cons, and the controversy that surrounds it.
I feel that everything has gone well for me during this course, what I believe helped me to achieve this success was following directions, thoroughly reading my textbook and online lectures so I received good scores on the quizzes, and actively participating in the discussions with my fellow classmates who did a fantastic job as well with their follow ups to my posts. I also put a lot of thought, effort, and personal reflection into my diet analysis project and my journals and as a result, I also received good grades.
Looking back at my grades for this module, I would give myself good feedback as the layout of the course was easy to follow, the material was very interesting, I learned a lot of information in regards to the health issues in our society today, as well as how I can improve my own health and well being from this course.
Active Link:
I posted an active link that allows the instructor to access my blog account for the module.
